http://christianpost.com/Society/Ethics_rights/2009/02/seven-states-seek-personhood-rights-for-pre-born-21/index.html (bolded text added by yours truly ;) )
As part of a renewed pro-life strategy to challenge Roe v. Wade, lawmakers in seven states are working toward legislation to grant constitutional rights to human embryos.
The Montana Senate held a hearing on the personhood bill on Thursday.
On Wednesday, North Dakota representatives passed H.R. 1572 with a vote of 51-41. The measure now goes to the ND Senate for review.
Rep. Dan Ruby, who sponsored the N.D. measure, said the legislation did not automatically ban abortion, reported the Associated Press.
The ND bill states: "For purposes of interpretation of the constitution and laws of North Dakota, it is the intent of the legislative assembly that an individual, a person, when the context indicates that a reference to an individual is intended, or a human being includes any organism with the genome of homo sapiens."
Grassroots support helped to pass the bill, according Personhood USA, a grassroots Christian organization, which reported that thousands of pro-life advocates called legislators in support of the measure.
"North Dakotans have gotten used to cold temperatures like -44 degrees, but they haven't gotten used to child-killing," commented Cal Zastrow of Personhood USA, who helped organize grassroots support for the bill.
In Oregon, pro-life advocates have also begun a petition drive to place a person amendment before voters in 2010. A similar effort is expected to be launched in Mississippi in coming weeks.
Last year, Colorado became the first state to vote on a personhood amendment. The proposed measure, which defined a fertilized egg as a person in the state, was defeated during the November election.
According to Personhood USA, these efforts aim to fill the "Blackmun Hole" in Roe v. Wade. Justice Harry Blackmun wrote in the 1973 Supreme Court decision that if it were established that the pre-born is a person, the argument for abortion collapses.
"Personhood efforts raise the standard of what it is to be pro-life. We expect that as the understanding that all humans are people spreads, the injustice of abortion will end," said Keith Mason of Personhood USA.
Judie Brown, president of American Life League, has said the personhood movement marks a monumental shift in pro-life legislation of the past 20 years.
"It strikes at the root of the culture of death and discusses life issues in their true context – as the foundation of all civil rights issues," she said earlier this month.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Victory for Babies in North Dakota
http://www.standardnewswire.com/news/22733892.html
-North Dakota Personhood Bill Passes, First in US History
Contact: Keith Mason, 202-595-3500
BISMARK, ND, Feb 18 /Standard Newswire/ -- Signaling the growing momentum of the personhood movement, North Dakota lawmakers approved HB 1572 with a vote of 51-41.
Rep. Dan Ruby introduced the "Personhood" bill, which affirms the rights of pre-born humans and states: "For purposes of interpretation of the constitution and laws of North Dakota, it is the intent of the legislative assembly that an individual, a person, when the context indicates that a reference to an individual is intended, or a human being includes any organism with the genome of homo sapiens."
Thousands of calls to legislators were made by pro-life grassroots volunteers who helped with this victory. Only one representative voiced opposition to the bill during the debate of the bill, while overwhelming public support was seen.
"Personhood USA applauds the leadership and support that the North Dakota Life League and North Dakota Family Alliance have shown to make this victory happen," stated Keith Mason of Personhood USA. He continued, "We thank Rep. Dan Ruby for his courage and for being actively pro-life. This great family man with his wife and 10 children are an example to us all."
"North Dakotans have gotten used to cold temperatures like -44 degrees, but they haven't gotten used to child-killing. We applaud and support their efforts to protect every baby by love and by law," commented Cal Zastrow, who, along with his family, worked on the North Dakota bill at the grassroots level.
The next step for HB 1572 is to be voted on by the ND Senate which could happen in the next two weeks.
"HB 1572 brings us one step closer to applying the same laws that apply to you and me, to all humans," said Daniel Woodard, lobbyist with North Dakota Life League.
Personhood USA is a grassroots Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood USA is committed to assisting and supporting Personhood Legislation and Constitutional Amendments and building local pro-life organizations through raising awareness of the personhood of the pre-born.
For Interviews please call 202-595-3500
For More Information please visit
Personhood USA
www.personhoodusa.com
Personhood North Dakota
www.personhoodnorthdakota.com
North Dakota Policy Council
www.ndfa.org -
Now that we have someone in the White House who is willing to overlook the murder of children, Americans are really going to have to decide where they stand. In fact, I'm beginning to think that Obama might be good for the pro-life movement in some ways. Maybe people need someone to stand against in order to really be willing to stand at all.
While we as a country bury ourselves further in debt and worry about "global warming", babies are being mercilessly slaughtered. We kill our children and then we wonder why there are so many problems. A nation that murders its own isn't headed in a good direction.
Yesterday morning I checked my e-mail to find an update from Personhood USA. The above article is what I found. I honestly didn't know what to do. After Ammendment 48in Colorado failed, I was greatly discouraged. When I read that e-mail, it was a wake up call for me. To me it said that God lives and He cares for the babies. He hears the prayers of His people. If God cares even for the sparrows, of course He cares for these beautiful innocent children whose silent screams are being ignored by our nation. But not everyone in our nation is ignoring them. North Dakota is an example to every other state. They have taken a huge step forward in the war for our children.
-North Dakota Personhood Bill Passes, First in US History
Contact: Keith Mason, 202-595-3500
BISMARK, ND, Feb 18 /Standard Newswire/ -- Signaling the growing momentum of the personhood movement, North Dakota lawmakers approved HB 1572 with a vote of 51-41.
Rep. Dan Ruby introduced the "Personhood" bill, which affirms the rights of pre-born humans and states: "For purposes of interpretation of the constitution and laws of North Dakota, it is the intent of the legislative assembly that an individual, a person, when the context indicates that a reference to an individual is intended, or a human being includes any organism with the genome of homo sapiens."
Thousands of calls to legislators were made by pro-life grassroots volunteers who helped with this victory. Only one representative voiced opposition to the bill during the debate of the bill, while overwhelming public support was seen.
"Personhood USA applauds the leadership and support that the North Dakota Life League and North Dakota Family Alliance have shown to make this victory happen," stated Keith Mason of Personhood USA. He continued, "We thank Rep. Dan Ruby for his courage and for being actively pro-life. This great family man with his wife and 10 children are an example to us all."
"North Dakotans have gotten used to cold temperatures like -44 degrees, but they haven't gotten used to child-killing. We applaud and support their efforts to protect every baby by love and by law," commented Cal Zastrow, who, along with his family, worked on the North Dakota bill at the grassroots level.
The next step for HB 1572 is to be voted on by the ND Senate which could happen in the next two weeks.
"HB 1572 brings us one step closer to applying the same laws that apply to you and me, to all humans," said Daniel Woodard, lobbyist with North Dakota Life League.
Personhood USA is a grassroots Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood USA is committed to assisting and supporting Personhood Legislation and Constitutional Amendments and building local pro-life organizations through raising awareness of the personhood of the pre-born.
For Interviews please call 202-595-3500
For More Information please visit
Personhood USA
www.personhoodusa.com
Personhood North Dakota
www.personhoodnorthdakota.com
North Dakota Policy Council
www.ndfa.org -
Now that we have someone in the White House who is willing to overlook the murder of children, Americans are really going to have to decide where they stand. In fact, I'm beginning to think that Obama might be good for the pro-life movement in some ways. Maybe people need someone to stand against in order to really be willing to stand at all.
While we as a country bury ourselves further in debt and worry about "global warming", babies are being mercilessly slaughtered. We kill our children and then we wonder why there are so many problems. A nation that murders its own isn't headed in a good direction.
Yesterday morning I checked my e-mail to find an update from Personhood USA. The above article is what I found. I honestly didn't know what to do. After Ammendment 48in Colorado failed, I was greatly discouraged. When I read that e-mail, it was a wake up call for me. To me it said that God lives and He cares for the babies. He hears the prayers of His people. If God cares even for the sparrows, of course He cares for these beautiful innocent children whose silent screams are being ignored by our nation. But not everyone in our nation is ignoring them. North Dakota is an example to every other state. They have taken a huge step forward in the war for our children.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I'm considered racist...
because I don't support Obama.
It is a historic day. I'm not shallow enough to dismiss the fact that having a black man as our President is a great accomplishment. However, I can't overlook the fact that he stands for evil things that I can never support. I don't support him, and I wish he was not our President. It's completely in God's hands now, and I willingly give it to Him because there's really nothing I can do about it.
What am I trying to say then? I'm saying that the color of his skin had nothing to do with the way I voted. I didn't choose to stand against him because he's black. I simply did not, and do not, agree with him.
Now, I would like to ask what is more racist- choosing not to support a black man because I disagree with him on nearly everything, or supporting him just because he's black? I will never support someone just because of their skin color. That's demeaning and racist. We, as a nation, have turned this election into a celebration of race. We have divided ourselves by focusing on the color of someone's skin. Isn't that exactly what we're supposed to be trying not to do? What matters is what a person stands for and how he will lead- it doesn't matter if he's black, white, brown, orange, or purple.
I'm praying that our new President will surprise me. Either way, God is in control.
It is a historic day. I'm not shallow enough to dismiss the fact that having a black man as our President is a great accomplishment. However, I can't overlook the fact that he stands for evil things that I can never support. I don't support him, and I wish he was not our President. It's completely in God's hands now, and I willingly give it to Him because there's really nothing I can do about it.
What am I trying to say then? I'm saying that the color of his skin had nothing to do with the way I voted. I didn't choose to stand against him because he's black. I simply did not, and do not, agree with him.
Now, I would like to ask what is more racist- choosing not to support a black man because I disagree with him on nearly everything, or supporting him just because he's black? I will never support someone just because of their skin color. That's demeaning and racist. We, as a nation, have turned this election into a celebration of race. We have divided ourselves by focusing on the color of someone's skin. Isn't that exactly what we're supposed to be trying not to do? What matters is what a person stands for and how he will lead- it doesn't matter if he's black, white, brown, orange, or purple.
I'm praying that our new President will surprise me. Either way, God is in control.
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Exodus Mandate
"The first place we need to march is right out the front doors of those Christ dishonoring, academically inferior, soul killing, government indoctrination centers." -Voddie Baucham
Luke 6:40 "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher."
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Formal Dress
Modesty is "in", as far as talk goes. Girls sit in youth group discussions and pledge to be modest in how they dress and behave. They give each other ideas on how to dress modestly. Christian schools and youth groups have dress codes that value covering up. It is explained over and over that we're not to cause our brothers in Christ to stumble. We're told that guys respect girls who cover themselves and behave in a modest fashion. We pursue modesty with the goal of purity.
There is one exception. Did you know that there is an occasion where it's OK to put on less? In fact, it's perfectly acceptable to embrace immodesty at certain times. While I'm sure you all disagree, it seems that the above statements are agreed upon by a large group of Christian "modest" young ladies and their families, whether they realize and admit it or not.
What occasions am I talking about? The title of this post- Formal Dress. When you go to a dance, banquet, party or other formal event, all of a sudden it's right and good to choose a revealing dress. How have we come to this conclusion? The Bible does not teach situation ethics or, in this case, "situation dress". When the Bible says that we are to be modest, there are no exceptions. Formal events are not an excuse to cause our brothers to stumble or to show our body to the world.
Dances deserve their own article completely, as how one dresses at a dance is not near the only stumbling block to be found there, but I'll address them briefly. When choosing out a dress for a dance it appears that young women try not only to find a fancy dress, but to find one that barely exists (making dancing rather difficult, I suspect.).
Maybe a more interesting phenomenon is that of the "banquet" that many private Christian schools and youth groups offer their young people in place of a dance. From my own experience with friends who attend these, and from pictures I have seen, I wonder why this is even offered? If we're going to dress just as immodestly for the banquet, what's the point of offering a substitute to the "worldly" dance? You might as well just go along with the world's way, instead of acting as if you're more holy. What message does this send to our non-Christian friends? We're telling them that we're too holy for their dance, but that we'll attend our own "modified" event where we'll behave and dress just as badly.
Perhaps the hardest concept for me to grasp in this topic is that of undressing for your own wedding! A wedding is a time for the bride to show her beauty, yes, but it is also a time for her to testify her purity to the world. Everyone knows that all eyes will be on the bride for the entire day. What you wear as your wedding gown is a test of your true character. Will you use that day to show off your body to the world (as your groom stands by and vows himself to you)? Or will you use that day to do your husband good and not evil all the days of your life (Prov. 31:12) by showing the world that you have saved yourself completely for him and that he is, in fact, receiving a pure bride.
Bride's maid's dresses are a topic unto themselves. As young ladies striving for modesty, we should encourage one another in modest dress always. How is it that a young woman would choose dresses for her closest friends that make them look trashy? How is it that her "modest" friends would have so little respect for themselves that they would adorn themselves in next to nothing?
My dad is a minister and loves performing wedding ceremonies. But he has often been shocked at the way the bride and her maids have been dressed. How sad it is that the preacher should have to try not to look at the young ladies in the wedding party, for fear of seeing too much.
So why do I write this? Because it hurts me greatly when I see beautiful young women dressing like not-so-beautiful young women. It bothers me when we, who are called to be different, blindly accept the world's ways even as we make a claim not to. It strikes me as a great loss to use a formal occasion to undress instead of to have fun dressing up and showing those around you that you are modest, and lovely, under all circumstances. When we decide it's OK to dress scantily for formal events, we tell the world, "You're right. Modest dress makes me look frumpy and silly. I'll dress immodestly in order to look beautiful for this event." This is NOT true! Modest dress is what God expects of us and let's never forget that HE is our Creator. His commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3b). Women are made to be beautiful, and we can show modesty, purity, femininity, and true beauty through how we dress for formal events. We do not need to cling to the world's way of doing things, which ultimately degrades women and their bodies and causes us to lose our testimony of purity. And let us never forget that it is not our outer beauty that determines our worth in God's eyes.
1 Timothy 2:9a "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves modestly..."
1 Peter 3:3-4 Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
There is one exception. Did you know that there is an occasion where it's OK to put on less? In fact, it's perfectly acceptable to embrace immodesty at certain times. While I'm sure you all disagree, it seems that the above statements are agreed upon by a large group of Christian "modest" young ladies and their families, whether they realize and admit it or not.
What occasions am I talking about? The title of this post- Formal Dress. When you go to a dance, banquet, party or other formal event, all of a sudden it's right and good to choose a revealing dress. How have we come to this conclusion? The Bible does not teach situation ethics or, in this case, "situation dress". When the Bible says that we are to be modest, there are no exceptions. Formal events are not an excuse to cause our brothers to stumble or to show our body to the world.
Dances deserve their own article completely, as how one dresses at a dance is not near the only stumbling block to be found there, but I'll address them briefly. When choosing out a dress for a dance it appears that young women try not only to find a fancy dress, but to find one that barely exists (making dancing rather difficult, I suspect.).
Maybe a more interesting phenomenon is that of the "banquet" that many private Christian schools and youth groups offer their young people in place of a dance. From my own experience with friends who attend these, and from pictures I have seen, I wonder why this is even offered? If we're going to dress just as immodestly for the banquet, what's the point of offering a substitute to the "worldly" dance? You might as well just go along with the world's way, instead of acting as if you're more holy. What message does this send to our non-Christian friends? We're telling them that we're too holy for their dance, but that we'll attend our own "modified" event where we'll behave and dress just as badly.
Perhaps the hardest concept for me to grasp in this topic is that of undressing for your own wedding! A wedding is a time for the bride to show her beauty, yes, but it is also a time for her to testify her purity to the world. Everyone knows that all eyes will be on the bride for the entire day. What you wear as your wedding gown is a test of your true character. Will you use that day to show off your body to the world (as your groom stands by and vows himself to you)? Or will you use that day to do your husband good and not evil all the days of your life (Prov. 31:12) by showing the world that you have saved yourself completely for him and that he is, in fact, receiving a pure bride.
Bride's maid's dresses are a topic unto themselves. As young ladies striving for modesty, we should encourage one another in modest dress always. How is it that a young woman would choose dresses for her closest friends that make them look trashy? How is it that her "modest" friends would have so little respect for themselves that they would adorn themselves in next to nothing?
My dad is a minister and loves performing wedding ceremonies. But he has often been shocked at the way the bride and her maids have been dressed. How sad it is that the preacher should have to try not to look at the young ladies in the wedding party, for fear of seeing too much.
So why do I write this? Because it hurts me greatly when I see beautiful young women dressing like not-so-beautiful young women. It bothers me when we, who are called to be different, blindly accept the world's ways even as we make a claim not to. It strikes me as a great loss to use a formal occasion to undress instead of to have fun dressing up and showing those around you that you are modest, and lovely, under all circumstances. When we decide it's OK to dress scantily for formal events, we tell the world, "You're right. Modest dress makes me look frumpy and silly. I'll dress immodestly in order to look beautiful for this event." This is NOT true! Modest dress is what God expects of us and let's never forget that HE is our Creator. His commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3b). Women are made to be beautiful, and we can show modesty, purity, femininity, and true beauty through how we dress for formal events. We do not need to cling to the world's way of doing things, which ultimately degrades women and their bodies and causes us to lose our testimony of purity. And let us never forget that it is not our outer beauty that determines our worth in God's eyes.
1 Timothy 2:9a "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves modestly..."
1 Peter 3:3-4 Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
My 2008
It's almost a new year, which really is hard for me to believe. Here's some of what happened in 2008 in the Trujillo household.
Marty
(otherwise known as "dad")
This year one of the coolest things in my dad's life was getting a job as an assistant coach. He coached the 7th grade football team at CLP and had lots of fun doing it! He took videos of some hilarious drills his kids did. They provided much fun and entertainment. He looks forward to coaching again in Fall 2009. Dad also worked hard with the bees and with his garden. The garden takes a lot of work, but it's very much worth it. He's considering a church/community garden on the newly acquired church property. It was a tough year for my dad in many ways, although it's really hard to picture that because his attitude is always positive. Looking back, I realize that this year was harder on my dad than you might suspect at first glance. He said some goodbyes to dear people in his life, whether caused by death or departure from this area. He experienced the pain of rejection- not of himself only, but of Christ and His church. This year showed him, and us, the fact that ministry is not easy. We knew this already, but each time a heart turns from God we realize it anew. I admire my dad's perseverence and positive outlook on life.
For the first time this year my dad showed his protection of his daughters not only spiritiually and emotionally, but also physically in a very big way. He has always been my protector, but this year, through certain happenings, I have seen first hand the strength my dad possesses and the willingness he has to stand up for my honor and protection. Any guy can say that he protects and loves the women in his life, but it takes a real man to join action with his words. My dad is a real man.
Another highlight of this year was the hunting trips dad took with Karl. They had a great time filled with fellowship and much chasing...*ahem*...hunting. They have a wonderful hunting party filled with good friends. They enjoy the time together doing their manly things. One more thing that comes to mind about this year in my dad's life is that we spent endless hours at Karl's football and basketball games, some of them quite a distance away from our home. Sometimes it seemed like a bother to drive so far, but we always ended up having such a fun time cheering, getting to know the other families, discussing the games (in a very animated manner), and stopping at burger king or sonic for a "little snack" before heading home where mom had supper ready. ; )
Allie
(aka "Mom")
My mom had another great year serving God and her family. She keeps busy homeschooling Karl, editing my many articles and papers, making our home a beautiful, fun, and desirable place to live, supporting my dad in his work (more editing of bulletin articles), and trying out new recipes as well as old favorites (English toffee, chicken enchiladas, and the wonderful cake mix Christmas cookies topping the list, imo). When she has free time she reads many books on Godly living, raising children, homeschooling, and any other topic that catches her interest. She knows about a wide variety of topics, and is continually educating herself further.
Mom did plenty of work for the church this year. She taught the children's Bible class almost non-stop. She plans and organizes lots of events for the church and is becoming well known for her tea parties. She also started helping out in some areas of the treasury, which has been a great help to the treasurer. A new bulletin board is a sure sign that my mom has been there, and she keeps the building sparkling clean. She also enjoys getting to know members of the community better by working at the post office.
A vacation to Indiana was a fun occasion for my mom. This summer she was able to spend time with her parents and siblings while attending her parents' retirement party. For me, and for my mom too, it was such a neat time because we got to see how much my grandparents were appreciated at Schultz-Lewis Children's Home. They did great work there, and their work with children started something really incredible. Each of their children carried on this love of helping others, particularly children and the disabled.
My mom is a seamstress, and has taken up sewing aprons as gifts and for our hope chests. She has a beautiful collection of very unique aprons. The doll collection also continues to grow. Three more were added at Christmas this year.
Mom is a beautiful keeper at home, and when I asked her about her life this year she said "I love my life. I'm happy. I have a husband and children... How do you explain that to people?" Well, I'm not sure I can explain it in full. But I'll go ahead and try:
Ps 112:1 Praise the LORD! How blessed is the one who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.
Ps 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Sarah
Sarah has become quite successful at work. Last year at this time she was a gift wrapper at Sather's Jewelers. This year she is the administrative assistant. She has her very own office in Sather's corporate office. It was exciting for her to be able to pick out furniture and decorations for a personal office only a few months after being hired. She has spent a lot of time getting to know her co-workers and has made good friends there.
In 2007 Sarah was somewhat weak and in poor health. She had ulcers that were caused by a milk diet and too much ibuprofen (after oral surgery). This year Sarah has her health back. This is thanks to her herbalist sister ( ; ) ), a smart mom, and much diligence on her own part. We were able to heal her ulcers using natural treatments. What a success! Not only is she feeling much better, she also has a beautifully straight face.
Another big thing in Sarah's life is the fact that one of her older sisters moved back to the area. Now she has a cute little niece and nephew to spoil, as well as her sister and brother in law to get to know better. We're praying that through our example and invitations, they will become faithful Christians. We're having a lot of fun spending time with them, and I know that's especially true in Sarah's case.
Talk about fun! Sarah was a counselor at Kamp Koinonia for the first time this year. She had the second youngest cabin of giggly girls. A week of prayer, fellowship, scripture, games, and no sleep (even less as a counselor than she got as a camper!) made for some great memories. She enjoyed her time there, and is looking forward to Kamp 2009.
Sarah was excited to vote for the first time this year! It was encouraging for her to FINALLY be able to have a voice in the elections.
Randi
(yours truly)
What a year! As was mentioned before, there were some low spots. This year has been SO exciting, and also stressful in many ways. For most of this year I worked as a nanny for the beautiful little Claire. I miss her very much. But some time off has been good for me. In February I started studying through GCNM's Master Herbalist course. After 5 extensive case studies, 2 papers, an exam, the AWFUL human anatomy coloring book, a fabulous salve-making experience, and lots of study and learning, I'm ALMOST DONE! Soon I'll be Miranda Trujillo, MH. I just enrolled in Vintage Remedies School of Natural Health. I'll be in the Family Herbalist course, gaining the title "FH" in addition to my "MH". This course is going to go more in depth on the specifics of caring for my family's health naturally. I can't describe how much I love learning about herbs and natural living in general. God is so great. He's provided us with our very own pharmacy and all we need to do is walk outside. It's true that He will look after us, as He looks after the sparrows. At times this provision is overlooked, and it's my goal to help people to realize the beauty and health that is right under their noses.
I voted! For the first time! And that was AWESOME! I was involved in campaigning for Ammendment 48. Although it didn't pass, I believe it was a great step and I'm glad I was able to help in a small way.
I also was able to spend some time at Kamp Koinonia this year. I went first week as a counselor- what an experience! The staff was small that week, and I had 13 girls in my cabin. It was challenging, and I was able to lead in ways that I never thought I would. It helped me to grow in my leadership and I'm so thankful for the experience. I've been keeping in contact with quite a few of "my girls" and I hope that my friendship to them is encouraging, and that I can help them in their walk with God. I had another great week at Kamp on third week- my last time as a camper.
I took two trips to Indiana this year. First for the retirement party, then a few months later to spend some one-on-one time with my grandparents. I love it there. I got to know some people in the church there, where my grandpa preaches, and I got to know my grandparents well too. While I was there, Joanna, my second cousin spent some time with me. We had a blast with photo shoots, movies, and shopping! I'm hoping to go back at least once in 2009.
Over the summer I was able to "experiment" with my American Sign Language teaching abilities. Some of my good friends, who are in my homeschool group, were my students.
It seems to me that this year was one of lost friendships. There are a few friendships that I valued so much, but I can no longer claim them as "friendships". I'm praying that those friends will be restored if it's God's will. However, I have seen that God more than fills that void if I allow Him to. Even though I lost some friends this year, I gained even more!
I continue to see God's glory, and He continues to bless me beyond measure. How unbelievable it is that He not only took my place of shame and punishment, but He also chooses to bless me. How awesome is the God that I'm honored to serve.
Karl
Karl. Wow. What an athlete. He played Varsity left defensive end and fullback for CLP Jr. High's 8th grade team. He finished the season with 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks, with 15 carries for 36 yards. He then played with his home school basketball team in the Private/Charter school league on the Varsity starting line up as a power forward. In the last game of the season Karl smoked the old record by making 22 points in one game! He just made the CLP Jr. High 8th grade basketball team's Varsity starting line up and will be playing through January and February. His feet are size 14 and growing (which has made finding basketball shoes quite an adventure for his mom...)! Through all this he spent the summer landscaping, found time to go hunting with his dad, went to Kamp Koinonia for a week, spent some time in Indiana, played airsoft with friends, participated in a basketball tournament fundraiser, and is working diligently at 8th and 9th grade at home. His sports card collection grows and grows...and grows.
Another exciting thing for Karl was that he went to Way FM's Winter Wonder Slam tour! He liked Relient K, DIDN'T like Family Force Five, and ended up REALLY enjoying Tobymac.
Karl is becoming a great leader. He leads singing and prayers, records the sermons, counts attendance, and helps out wherever needed. He also spent a quarter helping me teach a very fun Bible class about Battles in the Bible and the Armor of God. We had a great time teaching together. I'm praying that wherever God places Karl- on the basketball court, football field, in Bible class, at home, in the wilderness hunting- that my brother will use his life to glorify his Heavenly Father and to be a shining light in a world of darkness. Karl has been blessed with great ability and leadership, and I'm excited to see how God will use him.
Roxy and Bossy
Our Poms fill our home with happiness every day. They're always the first to greet us when we come home, and their constant antics keep us laughing. Their buddy, Teddy, came to stay for a week while his people were on vacation. What an exciting week that was!
The Rats
In Rat News- my clan didn't grow at all. It's hard to believe that I went without adding new rats to the family for an entire year. But it's true. I thought that I wouldn't be losing any rats from the clan this year either, but I was wrong. Zebedee, my handsome hairless heart rat, passed to the bridge on the 27th. Donovan is healthy and chubby as ever- a big teddy bear.
Church News
I want to encourage you to take a look at our church blog sometime: http://www.pleasantvalleychurchofchrist.blogspot.com/
The church had a tough year in some ways, but those who love God and are faithful to Him still bring us joy when we meet together. Several young people fell away, and it is our prayer that bad influences will be removed from their lives and that they will return the Christ's Bride as soon as possible. We lost some members- through death, and moving. Each member brings something special to the family, and they are all missed.
A few Sunday mornings back I woke up to my dad, on the phone, saying "Someone robbed our church building!" And someone had. They ripped our safe apart and got away with about $30. We laugh now, because we went through the safe later and found another $400 that the thief missed.
This year was not all bad. We had some fun and encouraging times! We had a fellowship day that was a great success. Our gospel meeting was also successful.
We call 2009 "The Year of Invitation" because we will all be focusing on something seemingly simple, yet actually very difficult- inviting. We will strive to invite anyone and everyone to Bible class, worship, potlucks, prayer meetings, and all other church events. We are praying that seasoned Christians who can help us in the work will come. We are also praying that we can bring new Christians into the flock. As Jesus said in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." May we bring in a great harvest in 2009.
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